Symptoms of depression

Experts estimate that up to 40 percent of people with Alzheimer's disease suffer from significant depression.

Identifying depression in someone with Alzheimer's can be difficult, since dementia can cause some of the same symptoms. Examples of symptoms common to both depression and dementia include:

Apathy

Loss of interest in activities and hobbies

Social withdrawal

Isolation

Trouble concentrating

Impaired thinking

In addition, the cognitive impairment experienced by people with Alzheimer's often makes it difficult for them to articulate their sadness, hopelessness, guilt and other feelings associated with depression.

Depression in Alzheimer's doesn't always look like depression in people without Alzheimer's. Here are some ways that depression in a person with Alzheimer's may be different:

May be less severe

May not last as long and symptoms may come and go

The person with Alzheimer's may be less likely to talk about or attempt suicide

As a caregiver, if you see signs of depression, discuss them with the primary doctor of the person with dementia. Proper diagnosis and treatment can improve sense of well-being and function.

Diagnosing depression with Alzheimer's disease

There is no single test or questionnaire to detect depression. Diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a medical professional, especially since side effects of medications and some medical conditions can produce similar symptoms.

An evaluation for depression will include:

A review of the person's medical history

A physical and mental examination

Interviews with family members who know the person well

Because of the complexities involved in diagnosing depression in someone with Alzheimer's, it may be helpful to consult a geriatric psychiatrist who specializes in recognizing and treating depression in older adults. Ask your doctor for a referral.

The National Institute of Mental Health established a formal set of guidelines for diagnosing the depression in people with Alzheimer's. Although the criteria are similar to general diagnostic standards for major depression, they reduce emphasis on verbal expression and include irritability and social isolation.

For a person to be diagnosed with depression in Alzheimer's, he or she must have either depressed mood (sad, hopeless, discouraged or tearful) or decreased pleasure in usual activities, along with two or more of the following symptoms for two weeks or longer:

Social isolation or withdrawal

Disruption in appetite that is not related to another medical condition

Disruption in sleep

Agitation or slowed behavior

Irritability

Fatigue or loss of energy

Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, or inappropriate or excessive guilt

Recurrent thoughts of death, suicide plans or a suicide attempt

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Treating depression

Getting appropriate treatment for depression can significantly improve quality of life.

The most common treatment for depression in Alzheimer's involves a combination of medicine, counseling, and gradual reconnection to activities and people that bring happiness. Simply telling the person with Alzheimer's to "cheer up," "snap out of it" or "try harder" is seldom helpful. Depressed people with or without Alzheimer's are rarely able to make themselves better by sheer will, or without lots of support, reassurance and professional help.

Map out a plan to approach Alzheimer's

There are many questions you'll need to answer as you plan for the future. Use Alzheimer's Navigator - our free online tool - to guide you as you map out your plan.

Support groups can be very helpful, particularly an early-stage group for people with Alzheimer's who are aware of their diagnosis and prefer to take an active role in seeking help or helping others; counseling is also an option, especially for those who aren't comfortable in groups

Schedule a predictable daily routine, taking advantage of the person's best time of day to undertake difficult tasks, such as bathing

Make a list of activities, people or places that the person enjoys and schedule these things more frequently

Help the person exercise regularly, particularly in the morning

Acknowledge the person's frustration or sadness, while continuing to express hope that he or she will feel better soon

Celebrate small successes and occasions

Find ways that the person can contribute to family life and be sure to recognize his or her contributions

Provide reassurance that the person is loved, respected and appreciated as part of the family, and not just for what she or he can do now

Nurture the person with offers of favorite foods or soothing or inspirational activities

Reassure the person that he or she will not be abandoned

Medication to treat depression in Alzheimer's

There are several types of antidepressants available to treat depression. Antidepressants called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are often used for people with Alzheimer's and depression because they have a lower risk than some other antidepressants of causing interactions with other medications.

As with any medication, make sure to ask about risks and benefits, as well as what type of monitoring and follow-up will be needed.